A Praise for an Unyielding Mother: Resilience and Independence in the Modern Family
As a proud child, I have immense admiration and respect for my mother. She has not only taken on the role of a traditional homemaker but has also navigated the complexities of her family's dynamics with unwavering resilience. Let me share a few instances that highlight the qualities that make me immensely proud of my mother.
Multi-Cultural Household and Language Barriers
My mother is a 50-something woman, juggling multiple roles and responsibilities. Balancing the care for her grandson, the pursuit of her passions like painting and art, and managing the household single-handedly, my mother is draped in strength and independence. Her journey began at a young age; my grandfather had leukemia, and by the age of 17, my mother was married to provide support during his illness. Time has only made her stronger: fearless, independent, and a true badass.
She seamlessly navigates between Konkani and Bengali households, speaking in English and Hindi with ease, despite not being fully comfortable with these languages. Her social skills transcend into a goddess-like charm, effortlessly spreading joy and cheer to our neighbors. Be it as a confidante to her father, a best friend, or a go-to person for anything and everything, my mother's presence is indispensable to the family fabric.
Persistent Learning and Endurance
My mother's enthusiasm to learn is commendable, especially at her age. She has mastered various skills such as painting, embroidery, tailoring, and cooking. She continues to seek classes for advanced painting and sketching, always striving for improvement. One of my favorite traits is her ability to enjoy life on her own terms. She encourages me to order a pizza when she's not in the mood to cook, showcasing her independence and non-binary approach to life.
Unwavering Independence and Financial Acumen
Independence is another trait that my mother embodies. She worked tirelessly long before I was even born, and despite not being the earning member of the household, she managed everything with utmost efficiency. My father, the breadwinner, wouldn’t have saved a single penny without her judicious use of resources. She made sure to buy vegetables, fish, and eggs from wholesale markets, saving every rupee possible. My mother single-handedly handled all household tasks, from buying groceries to catering to the needs of the family and home.
During our family trips from our native Tirunelveli to Mumbai, my mother would prepare meals with such alacrity that I never had the chance to taste hotel food until class 10. Despite being largely uneducated, she helped my father with financial transactions at the bank, such as paying bills, depositing cash, and handling other financial duties. What sets my mother apart is her unswerving confidence. Even though she initially struggled with broken Hindi, she mastered the language without any hesitation, and that confidence is a true testament to her character.
Wrapping Up
My mother's legacy extends beyond mere financial and household management. She is a beacon of resilience, independence, and adaptability that continue to inspire me and my family. My mother stands as a testament to the power of a woman's spirit, breaking through barriers and forging her path with unwavering determination. She is the matron of the house, and we stand in awe of her strength every day.